Yarrawonga
Holiday and retirement resort near the Murray River
Yarrawonga is located at the south-western corner of Lake Mulwala where the lake passes through the Yarrawonga Weir and flows into the Murray River. These two bodies of water form part of the state boundary with New South Wales. Mulwala is clustered along the western shore of the lake. As it is located on the other side of the weir and the river to Yarrawonga it is, therefore, in New South Wales. However, the two are linked by a bridge over the mouth of the lake and virtually constitute a continuous settlement.
Being close to vast amounts of water and noted for its sunshine, it would come as no surprise to learn that this area is essentially a holiday resort and retirement centre, although the irrigation scheme supports substantial primary industries, such as dairying, agriculture and pastoral activities, in the surrounding countryside. Yarrawonga also has an explosives factory, a hydro-electrical power station and sheep sale yards. It is 264 km north-east of Melbourne via the Hume Freeway (turn off at Benalla) and 128 metres above sea-level. Yarrawonga has 5522 residents while Mulwala has 1750.
The Mulla Walla people are said to have occupied the area before the first white settlers arrived in 1842. These were the party of Elizabeth Hume, the widow of explorer John Kennedy Hume who was murdered by bushrangers at Gunning in 1840. His more famous brother, Hamilton Hume, took up the run on her behalf (the homestead is now a tourist attraction).
The 1860s Land Acts broke up the old pastoral runs so as to enable closer settlement and the village of Yarrawonga was founded in 1868. By 1874 the village was of sufficient importance to warrant a courthouse. The railway arrived in 1886.
The major development in the town's history has been the construction of the Yarrawonga Weir and Lake Mulwala in the late 1930s as part of the Murray-Darling Irrigation Scheme. This irrigation project greatly enhanced the productivity and prosperity of the district and it allowed the government to provide opportunities for war veterans after World War II when they were given land throughout the district as part of a major soldier settlement scheme.
A pine plantation was established to the west of town in 1958 to supply a local match factory although Yarrawonga has been a resort town since the early 1960s.
January witnesses the Australian speed boat championships, the Lake Mulwala Water Ski Spectacular and rowing and sailing regattas. There is a noted tennis tournament at Easter, the Yarrawonga Show in October and the Red Cross Murray River Marathon, a canoe race from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill, on December 27. Yarrawonga also has the largest golf course in Australia (45 holes).
Bush markets are held on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at the railway station and the Rotary Markets on the third Sunday at the primary school.
Things to see:
Tourist Information
The Yarrawonga-Mulwala Visitor Information Centre is located in Irvine Pde on the shores of the lake, just beside the bridge. They have maps, activity sheets, day tours and educational information, tel: (03) 5744 1989 or free-call (1800) 062 260.
The centre contains the Old Yarra Mine Shaft, a walk-through replica mine with fossils, crystals, opals, gems and minerals implanted in the artificial seams. To contact a web-site which specialises in the local area go to http://www.yarrawongamulwala.com.au
Lake Mulwala
Lake Mulwala was built in the late 1930s when the Murray was dammed at the Yarrawonga Weir as part of the Murray-Darling Irrigation Scheme. The Mulwala Canal is allegedly the longest irrigation channel in the Southern Hemisphere.
The reservoir covers 6000 ha and is a popular tourist attraction. Picnicking at the foreshore parks, birdwatching, fishing, sailboarding, waterskiing, swimming, canoeing, sailing, boating and guided paddle-boat cruises are all popular on the lake. Pelican Island is a breeding ground for pelicans and there are several ibis rookeries. Thousands of partially submerged trees poke eerily out from the waterline (apparently to stop waves building).
Two paddlesteamers operate on the lake and along the Murray. They are the Lady Murray (tel: 03 5744 2005) and the Paradise Queen, tel: (03) 5744 1843. Bookings can be made through the information centre.
Phil Smith's Ski Rides hires out yachts, canoes, fishing boats, air chairs, kneeboards and ski equipment and he takes people waterskiing, tube riding and paragliding. There are also ski lessons, tel: (0419) 211 122.
The Mulwala Water Ski Park and Club in Melbourne St offers excellent facilities, ski lessons and rides, tel: (03) 5744 1515.
There are boat ramps and some fine foreshore parks adjacent the roads which hug the southern foreshore in Yarrawonga - Hunt St, Bank St (which has a swimming pool and waterslide) and River Rd. There is another pool, waterslide and boat ramp at the end of Inglis St in Mulwala.
Yarrawonga
Tudor House Clock Museum
The Tudor House Clock Museum has an excellent display of about 400 clocks from around the world, situated within a Tudor-style house at 21 Lynch St (by the Piper St corner). It is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. but closed some Fridays, tel: (03) 5744 1249.
Art Gallery
Arts, crafts and gifts are available daily from Canning A.R.T.S. at 51 Belmore St, tel: (03) 5744 2188.
Mulwala
Linley Park Animal Farm
Linley Park Animal Farm has both native and exotic species, including emus, kangaroos, water buffaloes, donkeys, wombats, native parrots and waterbirds. There are rides on a farm trailer behind a motor bike, and, in season, sheep-shearing demonstrations. There is an emphasis on opportunities for the kids to bottle-feed baby and farm animals and sheep dogs at work. It is possible to purchase baby guinea pigs, ducks and chickens. the owners Pan and Rob Donaldson, do a fantastic bush tucker pan sizzle at lunch time and Pam's tomato relish is, according to one enthusiastic patron, 'to die for'. The farm is at the north-eastern edge of town, at the corner of the Corowa Rd and Bull Plains Rd, tel: (03) 5743 1693.
Kyffin Reserve
Virtually opposite is Kyffin Reserve, a quiet and popular area for picnickers and walkers by the lake shore. There is an Aboriginal canoe tree on the eastern side of the reserve.
Pioneer Museum
The Pioneer Museum at 151 Melbourne St has local memorabilia including photographs, agricultural machinery, early forms of transport, a display relating to sports and hobbies and items from the Mulwala station woolshed (1860s). There is also a temporary display of toys from the pre-television era. It is open from 1.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday and on school and public holidays, tel: (03) 5744 1402.
Tunzafun
Tunzafun Amusement Park has a mini-golf course, dodgem cars, a train ride, chair-o-plane, trampolines etc. It is open daily from 10.00 a.m. in Melbourne St, tel: (03) 5744 2033.
Out of Town
Byramine
Byramine Homestead is a substantial, early and intact country homestead built in 1842 for Elizabeth Hume, the widow of explorer John Kennedy Hume who was murdered by bushrangers at Gunning in 1840. His more famous brother, Hamilton Hume, took up the run on her behalf.
The large hexagonal house with its three octagonal front rooms was designed by an English architect for usage in India. It sits atop an underground cellar. Ceilings, beams, floors, shutters, doors, roof shingles (now covered with galvanised iron) and the verandah are made of local Murray pine. The walls, up to 50 cm thick, are constructed of hand-made bricks.
The insecurity which characterised the life of Europeans on the 'frontier' is apparent. The house was designed to facilitate clear visibility over the surrounding area, the front door could be defended by gunfire from within, the doors could be barricaded, there are wooden shutters for the French windows and low door handles to allow the children quick entry and, at the centre of the house, is a windowless room which served as an internal fortress. The whole is beautifully set amidst elms and currajongs planted by Elizabeth Hume.
The house is located 15 km west on the Murray Valley Highway. Visitors can avail themselves of Devonshire teas or, by prior arrangement, gourmet luncheons and dinners, and barbecues. It is open from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. from Thursday to Monday, tel: (03) 5748 4321.
Fyffefield Wines
Fyffefield Wines are located directly opposite Byramine. They were established in 1993 and produce a range of red, white and fortified wines (shiraz, petit verdot, verdelho, chardonnay, cabernet, riesling, tokay, muscat and ports). They are open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and there are picnic and brabecue facilities and a children's playground, tel: (03) 5748 4282.
Cobrawonga State Forest
The southern bank of the Murray River, between Yarrawonga and Cobram, is full of delightful twists and turns and tiny beaches. It is bordered by the Cobrawonga State Forest, 2500 ha of fauna-rich river redgum forest. There are a number of possible destinations for those who wish to see the river and forest. Slightly west of Yarrawonga Cullens Rd/Breans Rd heads off the Murray Valley Highway to Yarrawonga Common where there are picnic tables. Further west are the billabongs and beaches of Bruce's Bend and Nevins Bend (both have fireplaces and picnic tables), the beaches and islets of Bourkes Bend (fireplaces and picnic facilities), and Cobrawonga Island (beaches and walking tracks).
Unfortunately the departure roads are not well signposted but the information centre has excellent maps.
Boatrock
Boatrock is an old Aboriginal bathing and watering hole located to the north of town off the Savernake Rd. Contact the information centre for further details and maps.
Junolan Miniature Horse Stud
Here is an interesting and unusual display of miniature horses. Located in a large barn the display includes an informative talk on the history of miniature horses. These miniature horse are so small that none of them is higher than 86 cm. There is an area for photos, a gift and souvenir shop and easy coach access. Junolan Stud is located at Bundalong South 4 km off the Murray Valley Highway. It is available for coach tours only and is not open to the general public. Contact Noel or June Andrews on (03) 5726 8287.
Tourist Information
Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre
Irvine Pde
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 1989, 1800 062 260
Motels
Aaroona Holiday Resort
Corowa Rd Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 1764
Facsimile: (03) 5743 1599
Rating: **
Ashleigh Court Motor Inn
36 Corowa Rd Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 2261
Facsimile: (03) 5744 2400
Rating: ***1/2
Belmore Motor Inn
14 Belmore St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 3685
Rating: ***
Burkes Royal Mail Motel/Hotel
96 Belmore St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 3033
Facsimile: (03) 5743 2725
Rating: ***
Capricorn Motor Inn
255 Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 3813
Facsimile: (03) 5744 3816
Rating: ****
Central Yarrawonga Motor Inn
111 Belmore St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 3817
Rating: ***
Lakeview Motel
1 Hunt St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 1555
Rating: ***
Mulwala Motel/Hotel
88 Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 3204
Facsimile: (03) 5744 2245
Rating: **1/2
Mulwala ParadisePalms Motel
119 Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5743 2555
Facsimile: (03) 5744 2993
Rating: ***1/2
Murray River Motel
211 Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5743 1245
Facsimile: (03) 5744 3241
Rating: ***1/2
Quality Motel
51 Telford St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 1956
Rating: ***
Service Club Motor Inn
234 Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 2333
Facsimile: (03) 5744 1234
Rating: ****
Ski-Land Motel
Murray Valley Hwy
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 3937
Rating: ***
Woodlands Lakeside Motor Inn
Murray Valley Hwy P.O. Box 421
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 2355
Rating: ***
Hotels
Criterion Hotel
1 Belmore St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 3839
Victoria Hotel
35 Belmore St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 3009
Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
Leigh Park Guesthouse
Cnr McPhalis & Munros Rds Bundalong
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5726 8488
Rating: ***
Riverside Lodge Guesthouse
4 Linthorpe Dve
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5743 1011
Rating: ****
Apartments
Branton Holiday Apts
5 Pinniger St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 2389
Rating: ***
Golfers Resort Holiday Apts
Murray Valley Hwy
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 1994
Rating: ****
Lake Edge Resort
146 Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5743 8400
Facsimile: (03) 5744 3742
Rating: ****
Yarrawonga Holiday Lodge Apts
16 Piper St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 3919
Rating: ***
Yarrawonga Waters Holiday Apts
11 Hogans Rd
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 2000
Rating: ***
Murray Valley Resort Holiday Apts
Murray Valley Hwy P.O. Box 345
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 1844
Rating: ****
Holiday Homes & Units
Akma Holiday Units
12 Stuart St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: 0412 819 326
Facsimile: (03) 9336 2426
Mulwala Colonial Holiday Units
9 Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 2526
Rating: ***
Apartments
Mulwala Lodge
126 Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 1178
Facsimile: (03) 5744 1178
Rating: ***
Holiday Homes & Units
Parklake
37 Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 3965
Facsimile: (03) 5744 3965
Rating: ***
Regent Holiday Units
28 Lang St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 3518
Rating: ***
Cottages & Cabins
Gillespies Cottages
Cnr Murray Valley Hwy & Nevins Rd
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5748 4265
Rating: ***
Hidden Haven on the Lake (house)
1/138 Old Mill Rd Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 9360 0820
Facsimile: (03) 9327 8637
Leigh Park Cottages
Cnr McPhalis & Munros Rds Bundalong
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5726 8488
Rating: ****
Caravan Parks
Cool Waters Caratel
Cnr Hume & Hunt Sts
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 3768
Rating: **
Jelara Caravan Park
Brears Rd P.O. Box 348
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 2461
Rating: ***
Lake Mulwala Holiday Park
Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 1050
Facsimile: (03) 5743 1876
Rating: ****
Lakeside Caravan Park
Lot 3 Spring Dve Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 2888
Facsimile: (03) 5743 2878
Rating: ***
Mulwala Shoreline Caravan Park
Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 1458
Facsimile: (03) 5744 1458
Rating: **1/2
Riverside Caravan Park
Murray Valley Hwy Bundalong 3730
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5726 8268
Rating: **
Yarrawonga Caravan Park
Piper St extension
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 3420
Rating: ***
Restaurants
Burkes Royal Mail Motel/Hotel
96 Belmore St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 3033
Mulwala Water ski Club Chinese Restaurant
Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 1515
Oriental Pearl Chinese Restaurant
Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 2577
Paradise Queen Cruise Boat Restaurant
15 Bank St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 1843
Ricky's D's Pizza
143 Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 3442
Shags Nest Restaurant & Wine Bar
40 Belmore St
Yarrawonga VIC 3730
Telephone: (03) 5744 1450
The Bungalow
119 Melbourne St Mulwala
Yarrawonga VIC 2647
Telephone: (03) 5744 1619
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